Washington County holds drug court graduation for recovering addicts

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. - The Washington County Drug Court program help its graduation for the recovering addicts Thursday.

In this program, probation police, mental health social services and treatment counselors work together with the judge, prosecutor and defense to help nonviolent offenders recover and succeed in overcoming their addiction.

“This is a huge accomplishment. I’ve struggled with addiction for more than 30 years. This is the first time I have had recovery. Even talking about it makes me emotional,” said Thelma Turner, 54, a drug court graduate.

Turner has been clean 15 months after struggling with addiction to crack cocaine. She is planning to study to become a nurse.

“Sometimes it seems (like) a long time ago. Sometimes it seems it hasn't been that long, I just know it's not a life I want to get back to. (I) just want to keep moving forward,” said Turner.

According to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, individuals who attend drug court are 45 percent less likely to commit crimes as compared to those who received other sentencing options, and drug court is six times more likely to keep offenders in treatment long enough for them to recover.